Heavenly Father, You blessed the Virgin Mary with the fullness of grace. She is my model of faith, hope, and love. I give this new year to her intercession and ask for her holy prayers. Place my needs into the protection of her motherly love. With her help, I want my faith to grow. Give me an increase in the virtue of hope when troubles tempt me to despair. Guide me in understanding Your infinite love. And join my heart, dear Lord, to the Holy Mother’s Immaculate Heart, so that I may improve in loving everyone unconditionally, in imitation of my Savior Jesus. Amen.

About the Author:

While growing up Protestant, Terry Modica developed a relationship with Jesus. After the Holy Spirit led her to the Catholic Church, she struggled for several years to understand what role Mary and the saints should have in her life. Then, she experienced a miraculous overnight devotion to the Blessed Mother. Soon after, she began to read about the saints: starting with Padre Pio, St. Frances and St. Clare, and then St. Teresa of Avila. Through studying their lives, these residents of Heaven have become, in a way, her spiritual directors and close friends.

Terry Modica wrote this devotional handbook, because: “Those who love you for His sake…will never desert you.” (St. Teresa, The Way of Perfection, Chap. IX, 3). This book was inspired by the love that saints have for us. They will come to our aid when we need prayer support and encouragement.

“Already my book is helping! I sent the prayer to Saint Alexius (patron saint of the homeless, July 17) to a friend whose ex-husband was homeless, and a day later he had a home to live in! Praise the Lord and thank you Saint Alexius!” (Terry Modica, August 26, 1999, while writing the book.)